K.H.S. Graduate Emilia Lang Honored with National Nursing Award

Emilia Lang, a 2023 Kewaskum High School alumna, has recently graduated from Moraine Park Technical College and has been recognized with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Students. Receiving the DAISY Award is a prestigious national honor celebrating compassion, dedication, and excellence in patient care.
Lang earned the award during her nursing program’s pinning ceremony at Moraine Park. The recognition came as a complete surprise, as students aren’t informed ahead of time if they’ve been nominated.
“I feel incredibly honored. I felt a sense of validation for all the hard work and long nights I have put in the last two years,” said Lang. “I had no idea that I was nominated by my clinical instructor, so I was in shock when they called my name.”
The DAISY Award recognizes nursing students across the country who demonstrate exceptional care, empathy, and commitment to patients and their communities. At Moraine Park, one student from each of the college’s three campuses is selected for the award at every graduation ceremony.
Lang’s nomination stemmed from a powerful and emotional experience she had while caring for a patient who was considering hospice care.

“I was caring for a patient who had a complex medical history, and was debating making the transition to hospice care,” she explained. “I remember having a long, emotional conversation with both the patient and their spouse that morning about their feelings towards making this decision. I connected with this patient and their spouse when talking about where we grew up, our families, and hobbies. I was the person they needed to lean on and talk to that day.”
The gratitude expressed by the patient’s wife to Lang’s instructor, combined with her hard work and dedication, resulted in her nomination of the DAISY Award.
Lang’s passion for nursing started during high school, where she worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).
“I knew I wanted to work with people, and this career allows me to support and guide patients and families through difficulties in their lives,” she said. “I know I’m making a positive impact in this career, which motivates me to be the best nurse possible.”
One of the most meaningful parts of her nursing journey has been her involvement in the Student Nurses Association. As club president in her final year, Lang helped organize multiple events including blood drives, Earth Day park cleanups, and donations to shelters and hospice patients.
Currently, she is working full time as a Registered Nurse at Froedtert West Bend Hospital and is continuing her education through UW-Milwaukee’s RN to BSN program. Looking ahead, she’s eager to explore various nursing specialties.
Lang credits her learning foundation at Kewaskum High School for helping her launch into the path of nursing.
“I completed all of my general education courses while in high school, allowing me to jump right into the two-year nursing program at MPTC right out of high school. My counselors and career planning coordinator were amazing, and they helped me figure out what classes I needed to take,” she shared.
The graduate advises future nursing students to treat all patients like you would treat your family members.
“Remember that they might be experiencing one of their worst days, so supporting the patient physically and emotionally makes a huge difference to patients. Take time to have conversations with your patients! I have learned some of the best life lessons and heard amazing stories from some of my patients.”
Lang’s recognition of the DAISY Award highlights the dedication she’s shown throughout her nursing education. With her career now underway, she looks forward to gaining experience, exploring new specialties, and continuing to grow in the field.